Television

For a proactive, far–reaching campaign that encourages kids and families to take a stand against cyberbullying, Common Sense Media teamed with Disney’s Friends for Change, the popular initiative that inspires kids to make a difference in their world. Public Service Announcements geared towards kids age 6–14 and their families, each featuring the stars of Disney Channel and Disney XD hit series, will be presented multiple times per day beginning Thursday, April 5 on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney.com. The messages were developed under the guidance of Common Sense Media, an independent non–profit organization which helps parents and teachers manage the media and technology in kids’ lives. For more information, each PSA directs viewers to www.Disney.com/commonsense.

The following is a list of the upcoming summer programming in chronological order (all times ET):

THE BACHELORETTE – PREMIERES MONDAY, MAY 14 (9:30-11:00 p.m.)

Emily Maynard, the beautiful, sweet, young mom who captured America’s and Brad Womack’s heart on the 15th season of “The Bachelor,” finally thought she had her happy ending. She accepted Brad’s proposal but unfortunately their relationship ended, along with her dream of moving to Austin with her daughter, Ricki, and starting a family. But Emily, 26, is ready for her luck to change and to bring her the love she so richly deserves. It’s hard to meet men as a single mom, but Emily will have her pick of 25 bachelors when she gets a second opportunity to find love starring in the eighth edition of “The Bachelorette.” Instantly popular with “Bachelor” fans, Emily’s strength, passion and southern charm – as a mother and as a woman – would make anyone happy to make her his wife. She feels incredibly grateful to have found her first love when she was very young, although her fiancŽ, famed NASCAR driver and team owner Ricky Hendrick, tragically died in a plane crash. She then discovered she was pregnant with their child, the apple of her eye – Ricki. Despite not having dated a lot, Emily knows what it’s like to be truly in love. In the past seven years, she has been looking for someone with the same spark she has for life, and she believes that she will find her soul mate on “The Bachelorette.” Chris Harrison is the host. “The Bachelorette” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.

DUETS – PREMIERES THURSDAY, MAY 24 (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

“Duets” is a one-of-a-kind singing competition that takes the Superstars out from behind the judges’ panel and onto the stage. Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke set out on individual journeys across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their proteges. Ultimately, each Superstar will choose two singers for their duet partners, and together the Superstars and their proteges will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records. “Duets” is a production of Keep Calm and Carry On Productions. Emmy winner Robert Deaton (“The CMA Awards”) is executive producer. Emmy winner Charles Wachter (“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution”) is co-executive producer.

ROOKIE BLUE – PREMIERES THURSDAY, MAY 24 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

A group of young and ambitious rookie cops continue to navigate the emotional trials and tribulations of their professional and personal lives. After two years on the job, these rookies are well on their way to becoming experienced cops, but at what cost? What price will they have to pay, both professionally and personally, to succeed at their job? And how can they stay true to themselves – maintaining their individuality and compassion — along the way? While a new rookie — ex-soldier Nick Collins, who is trying to adapt to policing after serving in Afghanistan — has joined 15 Division, the rest of the rookies are now entering their third year on the job. They have overcome the sophomore curse — that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. However this year the rookies of 15 Division are going to learn to be careful what they wish for – and they’re going to learn it the hard way. Emmy Award winner William Shatner (“Boston Legal”) guest stars on the premiere as Henry McLeod, a belligerent drunk driver with a haunting secret. “Rookie Blue” stars Missy Peregrym as Andy McNally, Gregory Smith as Dov Epstein, Charlotte Sullivan as Gail Peck, Enuka Okuma as Traci Nash, Travis Milne as Chris Diaz, Peter Mooney as Nick Collins and Ben Bass as Sam Swarek. Also starring in the series is Melanie Nicholls-King as Noelle Williams, Matt Gordon as Oliver Shaw, Noam Jenkins as Detective Jerry Barber and Lyric Bent as Frank Best. Tassie Cameron, Ilana Frank, David Wellington, Noreen Halpern and John Morayniss are executive producers. “Rookie Blue” is produced by ICF Films Inc. and Entertainment One.

SECRET MILLIONAIRE – PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 3 (8:00-9:00 p.m.)

“Secret Millionaire” follows 13 of America’s most successful business people as they spend a week in the country’s poorest areas and ultimately gift deserving members of the community with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money. Originally based on the hit UK series of the same name, each episode follows one of America’s most successful business people for one week as they leave behind their lavish lifestyles, sprawling mansions and luxury jets, conceal their true identities, and go to live and volunteer in some of the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods in the country. Surviving on welfare wages, their mission is to discover the most deserving individuals who continually sacrifice everything to help those in need, and ultimately encourage others to do the same. Throughout this incredible, life-changing experience, the Secret Millionaires will attempt to remain undiscovered, coming face to face with extraordinary people battling the odds every day of their lives. On the final day, in an emotional and dramatic climax, they reveal their true identities. Ultimately, the millionaires will each give away a great deal of their own money, changing lives forever and encouraging others to keep giving back. “Secret Millionaire” is executive-produced by Claire O’Donohoe, Grant Mansfield, Natalka Znak and Leslie Garvin. Paul Osborne is co-executive producer. The series is a Zodiak USA Production.

The hit series returns for Season 2 as transformational specialist and bestselling author Chris Powell documents the amazing makeover of eight courageous, “super obese” people who, in an unprecedented 365 days, set out to safely lose half of their body weight, ultimately revealing an amazing metamorphosis. In each of the eight stand-alone, two-hour episodes, the participants, whose ages range from 19 to 50 years, undergo a transformation not only of their bodies, but of who they are as individuals. By assuring that the participants have the proper nourishment and exercise movement, Powell provides a fresh perspective to individuals whose lives have become unmanageable because of their weight. He guides each of the eight participants through their transformation process by moving into their homes with their families or loved ones. The upcoming season is filled with remarkable and eye-opening changes, including one participant who loses 50% of his body weight, despite being homeless for most of the year. Another loses a staggering 142 pounds in the first 90 days, while still another will lose a grand total of 281 pounds over the year. In a show of support, one participant’s family challenge themselves to lose 500 pounds together. In 2012 Chris Powell became a bestselling author when his Hyperion book, Choose to Lose, hit No. 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List. From the producers of “The Biggest Loser” and “MasterChef,” “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” is executive-produced by JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson and Matt Assmus. The series is produced by 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA.

WIPEOUT – PREMIERES THURSDAY, JUNE 28 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Nothing says summer like completely new “Wipeout” courses, this year featuring the Panic Hammocks, Snakes on the Plain and Batter Up. Other featured obstacles making their debut are The Hangover, Spin Psycho, The Comma-Kaze and Spinergy. There’ll also be many specials this summer, including a salute to our Armed Forces, Bring your Teacher to Wipeout Day, and an All-Star episode of winners and losers. Returning are some of some favorite specials too, including Families, Hotties VS Nerds and Blind Date. “Wipeout” executive producers are Matt Kunitz (“101 Ways to Leave a Game Show,” “Fear Factor”) and Scott Larsen. Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is chairman of Endemol North America.

TRUST US WITH YOUR LIFE – PREMIERES TUESDAY, JULY 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

From the creators of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “Mock the Week,” “Trust Us With Your Life” is a brand new studio-based improvisation series that redefines both the chat show and television improv formats. Hosted by Fred Willard (“Best in Show,” “Modern Family”), featured celebrities include David Hasselhoff, Ricky Gervais, Jerry Springer, Florence Henderson, Jack & Kelly Osbourne, Jane Seymour, Serena Williams and Mark Cuban. The exciting new format finds each celebrity reminiscing about key episodes that have happened in their lives, then brilliant improvisers acting out those moments which the celebrity has just described. These key moments in the life of the guest celebrity will be improvised as straight comedy or in game formats such as forward/rewind and sideways scenes. The tone of the show is friendly, funny and cheeky. Comedians on the show include Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”), along with Jonathan Mangum (“Fast and Loose”) as the main improvisers. They will be joined by guest starring performers such as Greg Proops and Nicole Parker. Eight episodes were shot in London for ABC. “Trust Us With Your Life” is produced by Angst Productions. Dan Patterson (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) is executive producer.

FINAL WITNESS – PREMIERES TUESDAY, JULY 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

What if a murder victim could tell you about their final moments? The voices of the dead come to life in this true-crime series which offers a unique look at some of the nation’s most shocking murders. Each of the seven episodes will examine one case from start to finish, taking viewers inside the murder from the victim’s point of view. “Final Witness” is a compelling hybrid of documentary and drama, featuring interviews with real-life witnesses, prosecutors, law enforcement, family and friends, along with riveting scripted scenes with actors, thrusting viewers into the heart of each crime. Shot around the world at the actual locations, infused with an indie-band soundtrack and told like a feature film, “Final Witness” creates an unforgettable look at the human psyche at its darkest. The series is produced for ABC by Lincoln Square Productions. Executive producers are Rudy Bednar and Christine Connor.

BACHELOR PAD — PREMIERES MONDAY, JULY 23 (8:00-10:00 p.m.)

Fan-favorites, arch rivals and villains from the hugely successful “Bachelor” franchise reunite under one roof for a second chance at love as ABC’s “Bachelor Pad” returns for a third season. For the first time, the show is upping the ante by opening up casting to the general public, and participants who have never appeared in a “Bachelor” franchise will be included. Will these fresh new faces be able to find romance? And which bachelors and bachelorettes from seasons past will rekindle old flames or ignite new ones? “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad” are all produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette”) hosts. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.

Disney Channel has ordered the comedy pilot “Bits & Pieces,” a unique re-imagining of the traditional multicamera family comedy. The series will showcase the bits and pieces of a family’s funniest moments using quick, dynamic storylines that unfold through a series of short comedic vignettes.

“Bits & Pieces” is executive-produced by Andy Fickman (“The Game Plan,” “Race to Witch Mountain”) and Betsy Sullenger (“You Again”) and written by John D. Beck & Ron Hart (“Shake It Up,” “According to Jim”). Production begins in June in consideration for a Disney Channel series to premiere in 2013.

Next week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” themed “The Most Memorable Year of My Life,” challenges the remaining eleven couples to perform a meaningful dance using any style dance of their choice, Monday, April 2 at 8:00 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

On Tuesday, acclaimed singer and songwriter Seal returns to the ballroom performing “Lean On Me” from his latest album “Soul 2.” His soulful performance will be accompanied by four members of the Troupe. Also hitting the stage is best-selling country vocal group, Rascal Flatts, with a network TV debut performance of “Changed,” the title of their new album due out April 3rd. Their performance is accompanied by pro dancer Tony Dovolani and Troupe member Sharna Burgess on Tuesday, April 3 at 9 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

On Friday, March 30, Disney Junior will premiere its first ever crossover episode featuring Handy Manny (voice of Wilmer Valderrama) and Special Agent Oso (voice of Sean Astin) in ‘The Manny with the Golden Bear.’ The half hour special episode will premiere on Disney Channel at 12:00 pm ET/PT with replays on the brand new Disney Junior Channel. In the episode, Handy Manny and his tools visit Special Agent Oso to help him fix a broken bicycle.

Disney Junior has provided us with these first look images from the special episode along with two clips from the show.

Production has begun in Vancouver, Canada, on “Girl Vs. Monster” (working title), a Halloween-themed Disney Channel Original Movie starring popular actress Olivia Holt (of Disney XD’s “Kickin’ It”) as a teenager who, after inadvertently unleashing an immortal monster when defying her parents’ wishes to stay home, is shocked to discover the family secret that she is a fifth generation monster hunter. Olivia Holt performs two of the movie’s pop rock songs, “Had Me @Hello,” written by Dan Book, Alexei Misoul and Shelly Peiken, and “Fearless,” written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman.

For two of its upcoming mid-season replacement shows, ABC has launched two new Facebook apps which uses information from your own Facebook account as well as your friends to promote the concept behind the new series.

Jimmy Kimmel, star and executive producer of the late-night ABC talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” will host the 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards, broadcast live coast to coast, Sunday, September 23, 2012 exclusively on ABC. This will be Kimmel’s first time hosting the Primetime Emmy telecast. Renowned director/producer Don Mischer will serve as executive producer for a record 12th time.

“We are thrilled to have been asked to produce the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards,” says Mischer. “We love television and look forward to working with the Television Academy and ABC in creating a show that is fast-paced, humorous, unpredictable and at times irreverent, but clearly celebratory of our incredible industry.”

After last week’s sensational season opener, which proved to be one of the most competitive season premieres ever, all 12 couples return to the ballroom with another fabulous lineup of extraordinary performances. This week the couples will dance either the Jive or the Quickstep, Monday, March 26 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

A one-hour special, “Dancing with the Stars: The Story So Far,” airing Tuesday, March 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), will recap the thrilling dance performances from last week’s premiere and from Monday’s performance show, along with never-before-seen footage from the teams’ confessionals and exciting backstage moments.

ABC Family sets a sizzling summer line-up with the world premiere of three new original series — the one-hour drama, “Bunheads,” the half-hour comedy series “Baby Daddy” and the one-hour docuseries “Beverly Hills Nannies.” Premiere dates have also been set for the hit ABC Family original series “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “Jane By Design” and “Melissa and Joey” to round-out the three nights of original programming line-up.